Understanding brain activity related to speech in neurological diseases

Cortical-Basal Ganglia Speech Networks

Not applicable Interventional Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT04286308

This study is trying to see how brain activity affects speaking in people with neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease and dystonia who are about to have deep brain stimulation surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT04286308 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research focuses on how brain activity affects speech perception and production in individuals with neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease and dystonia. The study will utilize a novel experimental approach and various analytic techniques to investigate the role of neural activity in cortical-basal ganglia circuits during speech production. Participants will be individuals scheduled for deep brain stimulation surgery, allowing researchers to collect electrophysiological data to better understand these processes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-85 with a definitive diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, or dystonia who are scheduled for deep brain stimulation surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with hearing loss or those who do not speak English may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatments for speech disorders associated with neurological diseases.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding neural mechanisms in speech production.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects scheduled for DBS implantation, as determined by the clinical multidisciplinary movement disorders board with definitive diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, essential tremor or dystonia.
2. Subjects able to provide informed consent and comply with task instructions.
3. Subjects 18-85 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects with reported hearing loss.
2. Non-English-speaking subjects

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Parkinson DiseaseEssential TremorDystonia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.